Raman scattering studies of pressure-induced phase transitions in perovskite formates [(CH3)2NH2][Mg(HCOO)3] and [(CH3)2NH2][Cd(HCOO)3]

•High-pressure Raman studies were performed on [(CH3)2NH2][M(HCOO)3] (M = Mg, Cd)•Mg-compound exhibits three phase transitions and 2.2, 4.0 and 5.6 GPa•Cd-compound exhibits two phase transitions near 1.2–2.0 GPa and 3.6 GPa•All transitions lead to distortion of the framework and decrease of symmetry•The transition at 5.6 GPa in DMMg strongly affects the DMA+ cations

Pressure-dependent Raman studies were preformed on two dimethylammonium metal formates, [(CH3)2NH2][Mg(HCOO)3] (DMMg) and [(CH3)2NH2][Cd(HCOO)3] (DMCd). They revealed three pressure-induced transitions in the DMMg near 2.2, 4.0 and 5.6 GPa. These transitions are associated with significant distortion of the anionic framework and the phase transition at 5.6 GPa has also great impact on the DMA+ cation. The DMCd undergoes two pressure-induced phase transitions. The first transition occurred between 1.2 and 2.0 GPa and the second one near 3.6 GPa. The first transition leads to subtle structural changes associated with distortion of anionic framework and the later leads to significant distortion of the framework. In contrast to the DMMg, the third transition associated with distortion of DMA+ cation is not observed for the DMCd up to 7.8 GPa. This difference can be most likely associated with larger volume of the cavity occupied by DMA+ cation in the DMCd and thus weaker interactions between anionic framework and DMA+ cations.

Graphical abstractPressure-dependent Raman studies were performed on [(CH3)2NH2][Mg(HCOO)3] and [(CH3)2NH2][Cd(HCOO)3]. These studies revealed three and two pressure-induced phase transitions in the Mg- and Cd-compound, respectively. Structural changes associated with these transitions are discussed.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide